Phillip J. Mikula
Phillip J. Mikula was born in Port Lavaca, Texas and lived there until 1993. In 1997 Mikula earned a double degree from the Eastman School Of Music located in Rochester, New York. Under the private instruction of John Beck, he received a Bachelor Of Music in both Percussion Performance and Music Education with an Instrumental Concentration. In 1996 after a series of individual performances, Mikula was awarded the prestigious Eastman Performers Certificate. An active performer, Mikula was the Principle Percussionist and Co-Principle Timpanist for the 1996 Eastman Wind Ensemble's tour of Japan and the United States, which was under the direction of Donald Hunsberger. Also as an active performer, Mikula has performed with many of today’s top musical groups including the Eastman Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma and Billy Joel. Mikula is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society where he held the title of Vice Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee from 1997-1999. Also with the Percussive Arts Society, Mikula held the position of Manager of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in 1998. As a published composer of Honey Rock Percussion Publication, several of his pieces are listed in the Prescribed Music List for public schools in Texas and other states. Mikula’s compositions have been performed by some of the world’s top musical institutions and organizations including the Eastman School Of Music, University Of Texas At Austin, University Of North Texas, and Syracuse University. Mikula’s latest composition titled “Category V” which was a commission from the Memorial High School Marching Band, has received great reviews from judges across the state. In 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 Mikula was awarded the ASCAP Composers Award for outstanding contributions in the area of composition. Mikula is a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), the American Society Of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).
Mikula is currently the Director Of Percussion Studies for the Victoria Independent School District and Professor Of Percussion at the Victoria College.
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